DOMESTIC VICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17112, 18 March 1919, Page 9

DOMESTIC VICE.

Sir—With my nine years' of domestic service 1 have never found a place such as "One Who is Imposed Upon" writes about. I certainly agree with "Not a Bolshevik " that " good mistresses are more in the minority than good domestics." The majority of mistresses work their maids from daylight till dark, and allow their children to speak to us, and act towards us in any way they please. The ]nil place I was in the room was in size 6ft bv Bft, and was considered quite pood enough for a maid. As for our (so called) half-holiday, we count ourselves lucky if we manage to get our work done by 2.30 p.m., and then get tidied for going out. L it any wonder that girls are seeking employment where they do get at least, i full half-holiday a week, and are counted women, not machines? Another Domestic Sir— have been at domestic service for the past 10 years, and during that period I have had a very hard time of it. i can say with safety that I have had to work in every situation from 6.30 a.m. to fl p.m., with barely time for meals. Surely we are entitled to a shorter working day than 131 hours? Whad pleasure can a human being have under such circumstances after her day's work is over? She is too tired lo go out. As fon the half-dav, I never get finished till three o'clock, and then it is not worth while (joins out. If the ladies who employ us would aeree to have mid-day dinner when not necessary to have it at seven o'clock in the evening, and let ua be finished at 6 p.m. instead of 8. they would find girls willing to do their best for them. Wp arc human, and we do not want to impose on any mistress. lam tired of long hours, and now I intend tak'i'g up some other position as I have had a good education, and I don't see why girls are required to work all day Sunday. I have to work all day on Sunday, just the same as week davs. We want fair play, and w e are going to have it. Tired.